Hermann Goring, one of the most influential leaders of the Nazi party in Germany, played a crucial role in helping Hitler consolidate power. With a strong military background and a position as Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, Goring became the second most powerful man in Germany. However, his addiction to morphine and involvement in war crimes led to his downfall. Despite being sentenced to death, Goring chose to take his own life before the execution could be carried out.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In January Also Known As: Hermann Wilhelm Göring
- Died At Age: 53
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Carin Göring (m. 1923–1931), Emmy Göring (m. 1935–1946)
- Father: Heinrich Ernst Göring
- Mother: Franziska
- Siblings: Albert Göring, Karl Göring, Olga Therese Sophia Göring, Paula Göring
- Children: Edda Göring
- Quotes By Hermann Goring
- Military Leaders
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm), 5’10” Males
- Political ideology: National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) (1922–1945)
- Died on: October 15, 1946
- Place of death: Nuremberg, Germany
- Cause of Death: Cyanide Poisoning
- Ideology: Nazis
- Awards:
- 1940 – Knight of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (Kingdom of Italy)
- 1940 – Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Kingdom of Italy)
- 1940 – Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Italy (Kingdom of Italy)
- Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword (Sweden)
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)
- Member First Class of the Order of Michael the Brave (Kingdom of Romania)
Childhood & Early Life
Hermann Goring was born to Heinrich Ernest Goring and Franziska Tiefanbrunn. He was the fourth of five children, with Karl, Olga, Paul, and Albert as his siblings. Goring had a godfather named Dr. Herman Epenstein, who was a wealthy businessman and a physician friend of his father. From a young age, Goring was interested in war games and loved playing with his toy soldiers. He also studied war history and enjoyed mountain climbing in the Austrian Alps.
Career
Goring joined the Prince Wilhelm Regiment of the Prussian Army in 1912. After World War I, he joined the air force combat and flew in bombing missions, earning the ‘Iron Cross’ for his efforts. He was assigned to several air combat missions and finished the war with about twenty-two victories. Goring continued to work in the aviation field after the war and joined the Nazi party in 1922. He held various positions within the party and was appointed the Lieutenant General of the SA division.
Rise to Power
In 1923, Goring participated in the failed coup known as the ‘Beer Hall Putsch’. He was shot in the leg during the operation. In 1933, when Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, Goring was appointed a minister and Reich Commissioner of Aviation. He set up the Gestapo and became the Commander-in-Chief of the German ‘Luftwaffe’ in 1935. Goring was named Hitler’s successor and given the special rank of the Marshall of the Empire.
Major Battles
During World War II, Goring served alongside Hitler and took command of the German air force. However, his attempt to assume Hitler’s powers led to his downfall. Hitler placed Goring under house arrest and stripped him of all titles.
Awards & Achievements
Goring was awarded the ‘Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross’ in 1939 and the ‘Grand Cross of the Iron Cross’ in 1940. These were the highest awards given in the military of the Third Reich during World War II.
Personal Life & Legacy
Goring’s first wife was Baroness Carin von Kantzow, and they had a son together. After Carin obtained a divorce, they married in 1922. His second marriage was with Emmy Sonnemann, an actress, in 1935. They had a daughter named Edda Goring. Goring was tried and condemned to death by hanging, but he committed suicide by consuming a cyanide capsule the night before the execution.
Trivia
Goring confiscated and amassed collections from Jews and built a lodge named Carinhall to display the confiscated items. He was known for his extravagant selection of clothes and had a collection of uniforms for the various posts he held.